Monday Morning Encouragement -- Merry Christmas!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Merry Christmas, my friends!

It's a quiet morning here at A Joyful Cottage. I won't celebrate Christmas with my family until later this week when all of us will be able to gather at one time.

This is fine with me because it's been a hectic retail season for me (it's how I make my living) and I need some time to just sit quietly and reflect on the true reason for the season. 

 

I heard a pastor say this week that for the Christian every day is a celebration of Christmas. It's true, really. We should honor the Lord every day and take great joy in the knowledge that God loves us so much that He gave His Son to redeem us and give eternal life to all who place their trust in Him for salvation. 

Paul the Apostle wrote this to Timothy:

"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

Can you relate at all to what Paul wrote? I certainly can. The life I lived before I received Christ testifies to my need for a Savior. I was lost, but now I'm found. I belong to Jesus Christ. He has claimed me as His own. Never again will I be in bondage to the sin that held me captive for all those years. Thank you, Jesus, for your indescribable sacrifice.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Calvary. 

This is Christmas. This is what we celebrate. The most wonderful gift we could ever receive. No strings attached. There's nothing we can give to The Great Giver our God that can compare to the extraordinary gift He has given us. The best we can offer Him is to humbly open our hearts to receive His gift of His Son and surrender our lives to Him.

I pray today's music video The Best Christmas Gift of All  by Allison Aldrich will lead you to worship and adore Jesus, truly the best Christmas gift of all.

Please remember to lift up prayers for Israel.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.